The First Thing I Do in a New City (and Why You Should Too)
There’s something sacred about those first few hours in a new destination. You’ve just arrived, the map feels unfamiliar, the language dances differently in your ears—and everything feels new.
In those early moments, it can be tempting to hit the ground running: museums, landmarks, must-see attractions. But me? I’ve learned to slow down.
The first thing I do in a new city isn’t check off a sight—it’s get grounded. I ease in. I settle. I find my rhythm. And that shift has made all the difference in how I experience a place.
Location Is Everything
Because I love settling into a neighborhood and getting comfortable where I’m staying, I spend a lot of time choosing the right location. Honestly? It’s my #1 priority when booking accommodations.
And it’s not just about being close to tourist attractions. I’m looking for the best of all worlds:
Walking distance or easy access to public transit
Has a local, authentic vibe
Is safe, especially at night
And ideally? Peaceful enough to actually sleep well
I want to feel connected to the city, but not stuck in the middle of the noise. That sweet spot between local charm and logistical ease is where the magic happens—and it completely shapes how those first few hours (and the whole trip!) will feel.
Step One: Drop Your Bags, Not Your Curiosity
Whether I’m coming off a long-haul flight or a two-hour train ride, the very first thing I do is drop off our bags—even if it’s too early to check in. Most hotels and many Airbnbs will let you store your luggage (or at least point you to a nearby spot that will).
Lugging bags around is the fastest way to start your trip stressed and sore. Let it go—literally—and give yourself the freedom to explore light and open.
Step Two: Walk the Neighborhood Without a Plan
I always take a short, intentional walk near where we’re staying.
No phones. No maps. Just vibes. (Okay, maybe one map screenshot, just in case.)
Here’s what I look for:
Where’s the nearest bakery or coffee shop?
Is there a market, playground, or park nearby?
What does daily life look like on this block?
This isn’t about sightseeing—it’s about getting a feel for where I am. Every city has its own pulse, and this is how I start to match it.
Step Three: Find “Your” Spot
Within those first few hours, I love to find one local place to return to—a coffee shop, a corner store, a little café where I can become a regular, even if just for a few days.
In Lisbon, it was a pastelaria where they started remembering my order.
In Tokyo, it was the tiny ramen shop down the street from our Airbnb.
In Rome, it was a sunny piazza bench with a view of the world going by.
These are the moments that make a city feel like yours.
Step Four: Ground Your Senses
Travel moves fast—so I slow down by anchoring into my senses.
What’s the smell of this city in the morning?
What sounds fill the street?
How does the sidewalk feel under my feet?
What am I hungry for—not just physically, but emotionally?
I know it sounds poetic, but trust me: it helps you settle into being there, not just visiting.
Step Five: Ask a Local Something Simple
I try to have at least one real interaction within the first few hours. Nothing big—just something human.
“Where’s your favorite place to get breakfast around here?”
“Is there a better way to get to the museum—bus or metro?”
Or even, “What’s one thing most visitors miss?”
You don’t need to speak the language perfectly. A smile, a thank you, a kind gesture—all of it goes a long way.
Why It Matters
When I take time to orient myself before diving into my itinerary, everything flows better. I’m more aware, more tuned in, and more likely to discover something I never planned on but won’t forget.
It’s part of why I spend so much energy on choosing a great location—we want to feel comfortable and connected to the area, not just pass through it.
It turns the trip into a memory—not just a highlight reel.
Try This on Your Next Trip
Instead of rushing off to your first landmark or tour, take an hour or two to simply exist in your new city. Walk slowly. Observe everything. Taste something new. Connect.
It’s the best way I know to feel present in a place—before the “doing” begins.
Need help choosing the right neighborhood and designing a trip that gives you time to settle and explore?
Let’s build something beautifully balanced, from where you stay to how you begin. Work with me →
